SG/SM/10039
IK/509
12 August 2005

Secretary-General Calls on Iraqi Leaders to Exercise Vision, Political Will to Reach Agreement on New Constitution

NEW YORK, 11 August (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is closely following the discussions under way on the drafting of a new Iraqi constitution.  He calls on all political, religious and civil society leaders in Iraq to exercise the vision and the political will needed to come to an agreement in the next few days.  He believes such an agreement will constitute a major milestone in Iraq's political transition.

The Secretary-General emphasizes that compromise and mutual understanding are critical if the parties are to quickly resolve the remaining issues under consideration.

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